Taking a pregnancy test can cause a range of emotions for both partners. Excitement, anxiety, and nervousness are common. These can be intensified if the validity of the test results are in doubt. As such, it can help everyone involved if pregnancy tests are taken at the ideal time, and are of a high, reliable, guaranteed quality. Here’s what you need to know.
What Does A Pregnancy Test Do?
Pregnancy kits test for the presence of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) hormone. This is generated when the placenta attaches to the uterine lining. During this time, the hormone is very active inside the body. However, it is almost impossible to feel the physical changes within the first days and weeks. As such, many people prefer to use a pregnancy test where hCG can be detected in either blood or urine. Both methods are equally reliable for detecting hCG, however most people prefer a urine test as it the easiest and most convenient method of home testing. This is especially true when you use a Suresign test as they are a simple and highly accurate one-step test which give results in just 3 minutes.
Why Do People Use Early Pregnancy Tests?
The usual reason for using an early pregnancy test is because pregnancy is suspected. This may be exciting or destressing depending upon the circumstances. If someone is actively trying to conceive, it is normal to want to take tests regularly to understand how this is progressing. People might also ask for a pregnancy test because of a gut instinct, or simply to put their mind at rest. As such, the quality and reliability of the test must be robust. Accuracy is crucial. However, the better the quality of the test, the more problematic ‘accuracy’ can be. This is why some people ask whether a home pregnancy test can be wrong.
Can A Home Pregnancy Test Be Wrong?
A false positive pregnancy test is a result that indicates pregnancy when you are not pregnant. It’s rare, but it can happen for a number of reasons. There are two main reasons why a home pregnancy test can be ‘wrong’. The first is that the body is producing hCG hormones in preparation for a pregnancy that is not viable. In most situations, this goes unnoticed. The second is if there is hCG remaining inside the body from a previous pregnancy. The gradual withdrawal of the hCG hormone is part of the natural recovery process of a pregnancy, and it can take up to 60 days before everything has settled down. If someone has recently experienced a miscarriage, this will almost certainly give a false positive. Both of these reasons for the presence of the hCG hormone being visible can be very unsettling, so it is always helpful to discuss this with the pharmacist .
When Is The Right Time To Take A Home Pregnancy Test?
There are two answers to this question. The first is physiological, and the second is psychological. From a physiological perspective, today’s tests from Suresign are so accurate that they can detect pregnancy hormones up to six days before a menstrual period is due. From a psychological perspective, only someone and their partner knows when the time is correct. We recommend that a test is taken on the day of the expected period and then 48 hours later to confirm the result .If you find taking a pregnancy test is a highly emotive issue, the NHS has a dedicated pregnancy advice line, and it may be also worth speaking with a counsellor before choosing to take a test.
Find Out More
To decide whether or not to take a pregnancy test, it is always worth thinking through the pros and cons. Hormones can be difficult, so waiting is often better. However, pharmacists are there to offer support and guidance. For more information on our range of pregnancy tests and where to obtain them please call 02825 685385.
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